I am fortunate enough to live, walk, and breathe among the bravest of heroes. I am a proud Army wife.

Monday, July 26, 2010

St Jude Children's Research Hospital

Today was Day 1 of my training for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, but I have yet to receive any contributions for my fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please consider making a donation to help these children who are fighting cancer. You can click the Give Now button on the right to do so.

Josiah is St Jude's Patient of the Month for July.Josiah1 year old

Diagnosis:Josiah was diagnosed with a glioma astrocytoma, a dangerous brain tumor, in May 2009.

Josiah's Story:Josiah hadn't started rolling over by the time he was 4 months old. Then, when he was 5 months old, he suddenly began favoring his right side. He wouldn't reach for anything using his left hand and he stopped sucking his left thumb. His parents started to fear that something was wrong.Josiah's parents came to his six-month checkup with questions about their baby's behavior. During the visit, the pediatrician noticed that Josiah's head was larger than it should be, so he ordered an ultrasound as a precaution. The results were devastating—the test revealed a mass on little Josiah's brain called a glioma astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor."It was a shock to find out he has a tumor only a couple of hundred children have," his mom said. "We didn't know if he was going to have his first birthday."Josiah had surgery at the local children's hospital to remove as much of the tumor as possible, then he was referred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for his continuing treatment and care.

At St. Jude:After arriving in Memphis, Tennessee, Josiah began receiving chemotherapy right away to destroy what was left of the fast-growing tumor. Josiah also receives occupational and physical therapy, which have helped him regain the movement in his left hand.Josiah's parents are thankful for the community of friends they have made since coming to St. Jude. His mom said, "You still want to cry every day—but you can talk to the other parents ... it's like a really big family at St. Jude."Josiah is a happy little boy. He likes muffins and going down the slide at the park.

To help give hope to children like Josiah who are fighting life-threatening illnesses, please "Give Now".